Accreditation

When the Manatee County Sheriff's Office became an accredited law enforcement agency,
it affirmed our strong commitment to the highest standards of professionalism. By
maintaining our accreditation, the Sheriff's Office continues to demonstrate its
commitment to provide the best and most effective possible service to the community
and neighboring law enforcement agencies

The accreditation concept utilizes a voluntary, self-motivated approach by which
organizations seek to achieve, objectively verify, and maintain high quality operations
through periodic evaluations conducted by an independent, non-governmental body
that has established standards for its "clientele."

To earn and maintain accreditation, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office voluntarily
complies with or exceeds nationally recognized standards of operation. Following
application for accreditation, a law enforcement agency must undergo self-assessment,
on-site assessment, commission review, and must maintain compliance.

Since the accreditation process is an accomplishment that cannot be achieved without
a total office-wide commitment, every employee of the sheriff's office contributes
in some way to achieving and maintaining accreditation standards. The public's input
toward accreditation standards and compliance is welcomed.

Benefits of Accreditation:

The community is assured that its Sheriff's Office is committed to providing services
of the highest quality; and that its policies and procedures are effective and responsive
on the one hand, and fair and equitable on the other.

Accreditation assures agency employees that every aspect of its personnel system
is in accord with national standards.

Accreditation promotes relationships within the Criminal Justice Continuum by encouraging
mutual aid agreements with neighboring law enforcement agencies and better working
relationships with the courts, thereby increasing efficiency in handling calls for
assistance, referrals, and joint investigations.

The Sheriff's Office has access to a continuing flow of information about exemplary
policies, procedures, and projects as distributed by the Commission.

By having well defined policies and procedures, such as those affecting vehicle
pursuits and the use of force, accreditation reduces the likelihood of liability
suits and thus significantly assists the Sheriff's Office in its risk management.

Increase agency effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of law enforcement
services.

Increase law enforcement capabilities to prevent and control crime.

Increase cooperation and coordination with other law enforcement agencies.

Increase citizen and employee confidence in the goals, objectives, policies and
practices of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office

2011 Audit Report

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Bureau has received its 6th Reaccreditation
Award by the American Correctional Association (ACA) and the Commission on Accreditation
for Corrections (CAC). ACA and CAC are private, nonprofit organizations that administer
the only national accreditation program for all components of adult and juvenile
corrections. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Bureau has been successfully
accredited since 1992. The final audit report from the American Correctional Association
may be accessed at the following link:
2011 Standard Compliance Reaccreditation Audit